theat-, theatr-

1. Dramas stressing the irrational or illogical aspects of life, usually to show that modern life is pointless: The politician, Mr. Douglas, suggested that the latest election results were nothing more than a theater of the absurd.
2. A form of drama that emphasizes the absurdity of human existence by employing disjointed, repetitious, and meaningless dialogue, purposeless and confusing situations, and plots that lack realistic or logical procedures: Mrs. Willson, the drama teacher, told her students that the theater of the absurd, that they were expected to perform, should emphasize the main character's isolation in a bizarre and meaningless world.

1. A building or outdoor area in which dramatic performances are presented: Theaters are places where plays or motion-picture shows are shown.

The medical students, including Mike and James, watched the operation procedures from a glass-enclosed theater.

2. The activity or the profession that involves acting in, producing, directing, or writing plays: Mr. Carter has been successful for years in the vocation of the theater as a director and producer.

The entire theater gave the stars a standing ovation for their outstanding performances.

3. A play or other presentation which is considered in terms of its dramatic quality: This has been a very humorous and entertaining theater tonight.

Mrs. Miller told her students, that Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is one of the best theaters they could ever see.

4. A room or hall for lectures, speeches, etc.: The university theater has seats that are arranged in tiers (several rows or floors arranged in different levels) where classes are held.
5. An area where something happens or is taking place: The army has opened a new theater of battle.

The South Pacific was a significant theater for much of the action in World War II.

During the presidential-debating theaters, members of the same political party were attacking each other instead of concentrating on the opposing political candidates.

6. Etymology: borrowed from Old French theatre, a learned borrowing from Latin, and borrowed directly into English from Latin theatrum, from Greek theatron, "a place for seeing shows".

The standard Canadian and British spelling for this word entry is theatre; in fact, it is popular throughout the English-speaking world, although the standard U.S. spelling is theater.

A person or people who go to see dramatic or humorous presentations: Carol is a regular theatergoer and even volunteers as an usher so she can attend every show or drama that the theatrical group in her community produces.

Relating to acting, actors, or dramas: The actors were preparing for the next theatric presentation of "Romeo and Juliet".

1. Relating to, or suitable for, dramatic performances: The local drama club had a reputation for having some of the best theatrical entertainment in town.

Most of the actor's friends are members of the theatrical world.

2. Being excessively dramatic or exaggerated: The man's theatrical gestures and behavior were obviously meant to attract attention and to be nothing more than a show-off.

The wife complained that her husband's manners were too theatrical whenever they were with other people.

Descriptive of someone who has a stagy or overly dramatic manner or behavior: Herman theatrically bowed and kissed Janine's hand when he was introduced to the singer.

The performances of plays or musical shows on stages: The amateur theatricals were very popular with those who attended the performances as well as with the drama critics.

Some of the ways people behave and talk as if they were performing on a stage: The theatrics of Simon, the talk-show host, sometimes detracted his listeners from paying attention to what he was trying persuade them to believe.

An excessive fondness for going to plays and entertainment centers: Karl's aunt seemed to have a theatromania for attending one or more theatrical performances every week when they were available in the city where she was living.

An irrational trepidation of going to plays or dramatic productions: Contrary to his wife's overly zealous desire to go to shows as often as possible, William was afflicted with theatrophobia and avoided going to any theatrical performance no matter who the stars were or how well it was publicized.

A town or district famous for its theaters: There was an argument between the two drama critics, Gary and Iris, as to whether New York or London was the best-known theatropolis.